Monarch Tagging
Butterfly Migration Monitoring at Up on the Hill Conservation Area
Saturday, September 7, 3 – 5 pm
September 2–15 is peak monarch butterfly migration week for our area. During this period, adult butterflies ride the southerly winds during the day and feed in the late afternoon. They roost in trees nearby overnight and fly off again the next morning.
Scientists who study monarch migration use information gathered from observations recorded online and tagging programs to learn more about this amazing natural phenomenon. Everyone is invited to help Sullivan County Conservation District & Upper Valley Land Trust collect more information through monarch tagging.
There is no charge to participants, and no experience is necessary. Bring yourself, your kids (all ages), friends, and neighbors! If you have an aerial net, bring that too, though SCCD will provide the tags, nets, and instructions on how to net and tag monarchs. The monarchs will most likely be foraging for nectar among the flowers in the field and fueling up for the next day’s flight, so it’s a good idea to wear long pants, sneakers, and a hat and to bring plenty of water.
Directions: Follow Route 12 in Charlestown to Morningside Lane or Chestnut Flats Road and turn right onto Morningside Lane, then left onto Richardson Road (a dirt road). Look for signs for the event. Parking will be available at the top of hill. You will see a kiosk; continue walking down the road to the barn. Tagging will happen in the fields near the pond. Look for a tent.
*In case of inclement weather, this event will be held on Sunday, September 8, from 3-5 p.m.
